endlessrarities | The Building I Love To Hate

Nothing much to report today. Just endless topping and tailing of illustrations for the British Archaeological Report, followed by a really hard session in walk with Molly. In which many walk-halt transitions were carried out and I didn't manage to perform one decent turn across the school in the entire half-hour!

Next week I'll be back to trot and canter, I hope. And yes, the decision to walk was mine, for health reasons which I won't go into...

Back to Herculaneum now, and my second favourite domestic structure. It's the 'Deer House' and I have mixed feelings towards it. On the one hand, I find it a bit loathsome, as it sums up everything I detest about the Romans. On the other hand... Well, there's parts of it that made me go, 'Wow! That's marvellous!!!'

Amongst the works of art that were found here (in situ!) was a lovely (!) statue of Hercules taking a leak or doing something very naughty, which is a prime example of Roman tastelessness. And following a close second (or taking prime spot, in my opinion) was this:-

Well, what can I say? Except, 'Bleaugh!!!'

In the wider context, it doesn't look quite so horrible:-

And to show that this building isn't completely overwhelmed by Roman chav fashion, here's some nice stuff. I thought I'd feature a close-up of that lovely pediment:-

What can I say here, but 'wow!!'

And then there's this:-

From tortured deer being ripped apart by hounds and tipsy Greek heroes to a tasteful still life of pomegranates... The artworks purchased by this particular family were certainly eclectic.

Don't think I'd have wanted to attend any dinner parties at this establishment, mind...